WHY THE SURVEY WAS CARRIED OUT
The survey was issued to gather evidence from everyone who uses our facilities, to understand how current pitches, toilets, changing areas and wider facilities impact:
• Player experience
• Recruitment and retention
• Safeguarding, dignity and inclusion
• The club’s ability to grow sustainably

This feedback will directly support future funding bids, discussions with partners and long-term planning.

WHO RESPONDED
• 192 total responses
• Strong representation from parents/guardians, players and coaches/managers
• The majority attend the club weekly, ensuring feedback reflects regular users

KEY FINDINGS – HEADLINE POINTS

1. CURRENT FACILITIES ARE LIMITING THE CLUB
A significant number of respondents feel that existing facilities negatively impact player experience and the club’s ability to recruit and retain players.

Common themes included:
• Lack of toilets
• No suitable changing spaces
• Players getting changed in cars
• Parents and children unable to stay warm or access basic amenities

These concerns were particularly highlighted for girls’ football, younger age groups and during winter months.

2. TOILETS AND CHANGING FACILITIES ARE THE BIGGEST CONCERN
Feedback clearly shows:
• Toilets are insufficient, unavailable or unsuitable at many locations
• Changing facilities are poorly rated or not available
• Privacy, dignity and safeguarding concerns, especially for children

Several responses noted that basic welfare facilities do not align with modern grassroots football standards.

3. PITCH QUALITY AND CANCELLATIONS ARE A MAJOR FRUSTRATION
Pitch-related feedback highlighted:
• Waterlogging and poor drainage
• Frequent postponements and cancellations
• Inconsistent line marking and uneven surfaces

There was strong support for a 3G pitch to reduce cancellations, improve training consistency and support player development.

4. STRONG DEMAND FOR A CLUBHOUSE / SOCIAL SPACE
Many respondents highlighted the absence of a clubhouse or central base, noting:
• Lack of shelter and warmth
• No social space for families
• Missed opportunities for community engagement and fundraising

Several comments referred to the need for a stronger “club feel” and identity.

TOP PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT (RANKED)
• Improved toilet facilities
• Clubhouse / social space
• 3G pitch
• Better pitch maintenance
• Proper changing rooms
• Accessibility improvements
• Secure storage

This clearly shows that core infrastructure is the immediate concern.

COMMITTEE RESPONSE
Firstly, the Committee would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the Facilities Feedback Survey. The level of engagement across players, parents, coaches, volunteers and spectators shows just how important this issue is to our club community.

Every piece of feedback has been read and carefully considered. The challenges raised reflect issues the Committee is already aware of and actively working to address.

The feedback will play a vital role in strengthening our case for improved facilities, particularly toilets, changing areas, pitch quality and longer-term ambitions such as a clubhouse and 3G pitch provision. This evidence will directly support funding applications, discussions with local authorities and partners, and long-term strategic planning.

It is important to be transparent that many improvements sit outside the club’s immediate control and depend on funding, permissions and external stakeholders. However, the strength and consistency of this feedback significantly improves our ability to advocate for change.

We are encouraged by the passion shown in the responses and thank everyone for their honesty, support and continued commitment to the club. We will continue to keep members updated as we move forward.

TOGETHER, THIS FEEDBACK HELPS PUSH OUR CASE FORWARD.